Holiday Guide

It's time for holiday cheer. Here's our guide to what's going on in South Florida this holiday season.

It's time for holiday cheer. Here's our guide to what's going on in South Florida this holiday season.

Phantom of the Opera

Get ready to see this infamous tragic love story, mask and all. This award-winning musical is set for a three-week stay at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets: $30.75-$103.75When: December 23 through January 7201 Southwest 5th AvenueFort Lauderdale, 33312954.462.0222http://www.browardcenter.org/

Village of Merrick Park

There’s live music every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. in Merrick Park’s garden area of the shopping center. Enjoy Jazz, Bossanova, World Music, Flamenco, Classics, Pop Melodies, Contemporary and Latin Grooves now through the end of May 2010.

Gifts for the Hairy Ones

You’re not the only one who gets gifts on Christmas! Watch the chimps, gorillas, and tigers at the Miami Metro Zoo tear open theirs on December 25th. Trainers put the animals’ fave treats in a box, then wrap them up. When: 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Christmas Day. 12400 SW 152 StreetMiami, 33177305.251.0400www.miamimetrozoo.com

Deering Estates

Want to burn off that Christmas Dinner? Take a two-hour Eco Bike Tour the day after Christmas at the Deering Estate at Cutler. You’ll join a Deering Interpretive and Education Staff Member, who will take you along a historic trail of what Miami used to look like. When: 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets: $25 or $20 (ride your own bike)

Book Nook by the Bay Take the little ones to Deering Estate for story time on January 2nd. Held on the first Saturday of each month, this educational event offers cookies and juice, a video on “Eyewitness Birds,” and arts and crafts. When: 10 a.m. – noon. Tickets: Free with admission to the Estate.16701 SW 72 Ave.Miami, 33157305.235.1668http://www.deeringestate.org/index.aspx

Laughing Gas Christmas Show

Watch “Twas the Night Before the Night Before the Night Before Christmas.” Seriously? No joke here, folks. The Laughing Gas Comedy Improv Theatre Company is putting on its annual holiday show, which features sketches, music, and some communal comedy. When: December 22, 8 p.m. The Main Street Playhouse6766 Main St., Miami LakesTickets: $10, reservations required. 305.461.1161 www.laughinggasimprov.com

Miami Seaquarium Winter Nights & Lights

Join Flipper and the other marine mammals as their home gets transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Kids Winterfest, Carnival rides until 10 p.m., holiday-themed shows in the evening, (Salty Saves the Holidays, Flipper and the Nutcracker), nightly five-minute snowfalls in the Dolphin Lobby, and of course the marine-themed holiday lights and sculptures.When: December 19th through January 2nd.4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key BiscayneTickets: $26.95-$35.95305.361.5705, ext. 225 www.miamiseaquarium.com